The Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Photo: Vanessa Christensen
Summer is here, and we’re packing up the car and returning to some of our favorite Midwest destinations!
The Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan: Drive the scenic route through the UP and see Marquette and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Enjoy miles of beaches. Cross the “Mighty Mac” Bridge and ferry to Mackinac Island for horse carriages, The Grand Hotel, bike rides and fudge.
Door County, Wisconsin: Lighthouses and beaches abound—with small town parades on the Fourth of July. Discover winding roads, kayaking in crystal clear waters, shipwreck diving and cherry picking season.
South Dakota: The landscape is astounding and wildlife aplenty! Explore Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park. And don’t forget to taste Thomas Jefferson’s original ice cream recipe at Mount Rushmore.
North Shore, Minnesota: Fall in love with the rugged beauty of Minnesota’s wilderness. State parks, waterfalls and hiking trails make for an adventurer’s dream destination.
Chicago, Illinois: View the Midwest’s biggest city from a glass balcony 103 floors high! Immerse yourself in arts and culture with the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Wrigley Field and the Magnificent Mile.
Kansas City, Missouri: Known for its barbecue, fountains and jazz. Summer in Kansas City is a season full of festivals that celebrate music, culture, food and local community.
Vanessa Christensen is a children’s book author, travel blogger and photographer. Find more at cvgotravel.com, or follow @cvgotravel on Instagram.
